06-26-22
06-26-2022
Rev. Trevor Johnston (LOX & Online), Rev. Jose Marrero (WPB), Pastor Brandon Weaver (LW)
Sermon Series: Re-assembly Required
Week 4: We Did It!
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español
Read the theme verse for this series. Matthew 16:18b: “…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
In this series, we’ve been talking about what Church was meant to be and whether there might be some “re-assembly required” in order for us to live out the vision Jesus had when he said these words in Matthew 16.
In week 1, we talked about what Church IS – It’s God’s idea and God’s way to bring heaven to earth.
In week 2, we talked about what Church DOES – It makes fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Week 3 was about HOW Church works – Everyone has a role to play.
TODAY we’re talking about how Church should FEEL.
1. Talk about some “memberships” you have and the privileges that come with each of those. With that in mind, why do you think that COH decided a while back not to use the word “membership” anymore when people decide to make COH their home church?
2. Read Philippians 1:3-11 –
I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
3. Paul wrote this letter to the church in the city of Philippi. You can read about how Paul planted this church in Acts 16. Philippians is often called the “Epistle of Joy” because Paul references joy so many times, even though Paul was in prison at the time. What are some things that bring you joy?
4. Look again at the passage above, what was it about the Philippians that brought Paul joy?
5. What do we mean at Community of Hope when we ask people to become a “partner” of our church?
6. “Koinonia” is the Greek word in Philippians 1:5 that’s translated “partnership” in our English Bible. New Testament scholar Craig Keener defines “koinonia” as “…the sort of harmony created by shared purpose and working together.” Paul uses this word two other times in Philippians:
In Philippians 2:1 “koinonia” is translated “common sharing.” – Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion….
In Philippians 3:10 it is translated “participation.” – I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death….
How does this add to your understanding of what “partnership” is meant to be?
7. Pastor Trevor said Church is meant to feel like a team, and koinonia is when you feel like: “We did it!” What did he mean by that?
8. One big difference between other teams in life and the team that we call Church is that God is a member of our team. When we have that feeling of “We did it!” – we know it’s actually God who did it – all of us and God working together. If you’ve ever experienced that feeling as you’ve served in a local church, describe how that felt for you.
9. We’re on the most important team with the most important purpose and mission on the planet. How did this sermon series change your view of church?
10. If you used to be involved in serving at our church, but you took a break because of the pandemic or some other reason, how could you get back in the game and re-join the team?
11. If you’re not sure how to get involved at our church, our SHAPE Profile is designed to help you figure out the best way to do that. Go to communityofhope.church/partnership to take this free, online assessment, designed to help you understand how God made you and how He might want you to serve His mission in the world. After you take the assessment, share with your group what you learned about yourself.
If you’re not yet a COH partner, we invite you to check out our next Connections Class series by going to communityofhope.church/partnership.
Ready for your next step? – If you would like to take a next step in your faith journey, such as trusting your life to Christ or getting baptized, text the word “Next” to 561-264-6079 and follow the steps there, and we’ll contact you to help you do that.
News and Announcements:
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Non-perishable Food Drive – As we’ve done for 25 years, we invite you to bring in non-perishable food on the first Sunday of the month so we can give it away to those in need in our community. Get details on specific food items to donate at https://communityofhope.church/food.
Kids of Hope Around Town – Watch for the fun events we’re planning around Palm Beach County for kids and families to take part in all summer long. Our next event is at Adrenaline Trampoline Park on Thursday, July 7 at 10:00 a.m. More information at https://communityofhope.church/kohsummer.
Summer Suppers are an opportunity to get to know some new people over a meal. Sign up, and we’ll connect you to a group of 8 people who will simply share a meal and enjoy some conversation! Get more information specific to your campus at https://communityofhope.church/groups/.
Thank you for your regular financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to you and to our community! To give to Community of Hope go to https://communityofhope.church/give.